Walmart's old headquarters getting new life

Two grandsons of Walmart founder Sam Walton have declared their intention to establish a private university with a primary emphasis on science and technology. The university will be situated on the former headquarters campus of Walmart, situated in close proximity to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas.

The significance of this endeavor lies in the fact that the future university endeavors to provide innovative and adaptable pathways to employment opportunities in fields such as automation, logistics, biotechnology, and computing. These disciplines are of paramount importance for the future development of Northwest Arkansas.

Establishing a robust foundation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a pressing concern for the United States, China, and other nations that are competing for global competitiveness.

Current Status: Steuart and Tom Walton, the grandsons of Sam Walton, are scheduled to announce the establishment of a university at the Heartland Summit in Bentonville on Thursday. This exclusive gathering convenes policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors who are collectively committed to economic development in the heartland of the United States.

The university’s vision is to establish itself as a model of contemporary, flexible learning, drawing inspiration from the site where the world’s largest retailer was founded from Sam Walton’s humble beginnings as a five-and-dime store.

The inaugural undergraduate class is anticipated to comprise approximately 500 students, with the potential to grow to approximately 1,500 undergraduate students and 500 non-degree learners over time.

Statement from Steuart Walton: In an interview with Axios, Steuart Walton, a member of Walmart’s board of directors, emphasized the imperative for higher education to adopt a pace that aligns with the pace of innovation. He asserted that the institution will maintain its agility and grounding, ensuring its ability to adapt to the evolving world.


Walton further underscored the opportunity to establish a novel model of higher education, tailored to the realities of the contemporary economy and equipped to address the challenges of the future. He concluded by highlighting the potential to set a new benchmark for what is achievable.

In an interview, Tom Walton stated, “Our grandfather, Sam Walton, established Walmart from Bentonville. There is no reason why the next great enterprise cannot emerge from this location as well.”

The Waltons’ philanthropic endeavors have significantly transformed Northwest Arkansas, a town of approximately 60,000 individuals and a broader region of nearly 600,000. These initiatives have catalyzed economic growth and fostered regional development.

Over the past two decades, family members have invested in world-renowned art museums, a medical school, holistic wellness, trails, public art, and other civic projects. These endeavors have served as economic drivers for Arkansas.

Currently, Walmart’s original headquarters campus is undergoing phased vacating as nearly 15,000 employees relocate to a new flagship 350-acre campus across town. In 2022, Steuart and Tom Walton announced their intention to acquire the old headquarters and surrounding parcels for approximately $60 million.

A mixed-use development encompassing the newly established university is currently being planned for the site. Additionally, the Alice L. Walton Foundation acquired 100 acres in Bentonville for the establishment of a future healthcare campus earlier this year.

Furthermore, the grandsons acquired nearly 3,000 acres of predominantly undeveloped land in nearby Bella Vista last year. While they have not disclosed specific plans for the parcels, they have indicated that they will be centered around outdoor recreation, hospitality, and retail development.

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For more details on individual projects, contact Mason Capital Group Real Estate Investment & Trust

Original article:  Axios, by: Worth Sparkman,Mike Allen